2008 Mazda CX-9 Sport 4dr All-wheel Drive Overview

The Mazda CX-9 is the largest Mazda ever, a crossover SUV aimed at people who don't need a rugged, truck-based sport-utility vehicle but stylistically can't bring themselves to drive a minivan.

The CX-9 is available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It comes with standard three rows of seating and can carry seven adults. Power comes from a refined, new for 2008, 273-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission that has a manual gear selection option. It comes in three models: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. The Grand Touring, rides on 20-inch wheels instead of the standard 18-inch wheels. Folding third-row seats and a sliding second-row creates a surprisingly roomy cargo space. Standard safety equipment includes 3-row curtain airbags, 4-wheel ABS, stability control with roll control and tire pressure monitoring.

The 2008 Mazda CX-9 carries over from 2007 with minor changes such as the new engine and optional blind spot monitoring on the Grand Touring.